A simple pulsed neutron source has been constructed which consists of an anode formed by a cylindrical‐shell permanent magnet and of two disk cathodes. One of the cathodes forms the neutron‐producing target and the device is exhausted adjacent to the other. In operation, the anode is pulsed positive at 140 kv for 1 &mgr;sec at up to 200 pulses per sec. Continuous operation has also been achieved in a slightly different configuration. Ions are produced adjacent to the anode in a toroidal trapping region which exists as a result of the crossed electric and magnetic fields. The ionization is enhanced by the action of electrons reflecting through the inside of the magnetic shell. As a consequence of this trapping, large fluxes of soft x‐rays are created which may be injurious to personnel.